The major in Communication combines the traditional skills of rhetorical analysis, effective style, critical thinking and ethical questioning with the contemporary applications through oral, written, and visual communications in both traditional and new media. The goal of the program is to help students understand how language shapes our world and to use responsibly and effectively the various forms of communication that define and construct contemporary life and culture. The major thrust of the curriculum is toward a broad and thorough education in the liberal arts in a creative hybrid form that also prepares students for graduate school, law school, careers in creative and professional writing, in journalism and publishing, in public relations, in teaching, and in other fields of the growing and changing communications and media fields. The program is in partnership with the University's professional studies program in the Grenon School of Business and values building skills transferable to the private, public, and nonprofit sectors and/or graduate school. The internship requirement and capstone seminar provide students with real-world experiences and opportunities to collect raw material for a portfolio of accomplishments.
- Students who select the Concentration in Communication and Media (6 courses) should consult with the Chairperson of the English Department.
- Students who select the Concentration in Organizational Communication (7 courses) should consult with the Chairperson of the Marketing Department and read the Marketing and Management sections of the catalog for descriptions of Marketing, Management, and Organizational Communication courses.
- Although 12-13 courses are required for the major, students can take up to 14 courses designated ENG.
- Students entering with Advanced Placement credit for Language and Composition and/or Literature and Composition should take COM 201 Persuasive Communication and/or another 200-level COM, WRT, or ENG course during the first year.
- One of the three literature courses required of students in the Communication and Media Concentration must be at the 300-level (ENG320-395)
- Students in this program should complete all three courses in their selected area of specialization before taking the Senior Seminar in Communication and Media.
Students are expected to complete their internship during the fall of their Junior or Senior year. Students who intend to complete an off-campus internship or a study abroad internship must meet the 2.8 minimal GPA requirement established by the university. Students who do not meet that GPA requirement will complete an academic project or curse under the supervision of the Practicum instructor and will participate in the Practicum seminar. Students are strongly encouraged to take ARD 115 as part of their major and to consider a minor in subjects that could contribute to their careers as writers, including graphic design, a modern language, marketing, sociology, and history.